The vibrant and culturally rich festival of Onam holds a special place in the hearts of people in Kerala, India. Thiruvonam, the most significant day of the Onam festival, is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and devotion. In 2023, as Thiruvonam approaches, let’s delve into the traditions, significance, and joyous spirit that surrounds this grand festival.
Onam is the rice harvesting festival. There is a 10-day celebration of Onam, which has its own significance for Hindus and to people of Kerala.
Onam, a significant Hindu festival, holds deep cultural roots among the people of Kerala, primarily celebrated by native Malayalam speakers. This jubilant occasion is determined according to the Solar Calendar. Specifically, Onam finds its place in the Chingam month of the Malayalam Solar Calendar, which corresponds to the Simha month in other solar calendars and the Avani month in the Tamil Calendar. The festivity aligns with the Nakshatra Thiruvonam, marking the day of merriment in the month of Chingam. This particular Nakshatra is referred to as Shravana in other Hindu Calendars.
Thiruvonam 2023 | Onam Date and Timing:
Thiruvonam, the pivotal day of the revered Onam festival, is set to be celebrated on 29 August Tuesday in the year 2023.
Sunrise August 29, 2023, 6:19 AM
Sunset August 29, 2023, 6:32 PM
Thiruvonam Nakshathram Begins – 02:43 AM on Aug 29, 2023
Thiruvonam Nakshathram Ends – 11:50 PM on Aug 29, 2023
As per the Solar Calendar, this auspicious occasion is determined by the prevalence of the Nakshatra Thiruvonam in the Chingam month. On this day, the festivities and rituals of Onam will come to a splendid culmination. Stay tuned for the specific timings and engage in the joyful spirit of this cherished Malayali festival.
Which is the main day for Onam 2023?
This year, the Onam festival started on Atham on 20 August and will last until Thiruvonam on 29 August. The main day of Onam is the 29th of August 2023.
August 28, Monday, is First Onam, and then Thiruvonam 2023 will be celebrated on August 29, Tuesday. Third and Fourth Onam fall on August 30, Wednesday, and August 31, Thursday respectively.
What are the 10 days of Onam in 2023?
The festive fervor of Onam embarks with Atham Day, which coincides with the Atham Nakshatra and extends for a vibrant span of ten days, culminating on Thiruvonam Day. Atham Nakshatra corresponds to Hasta Nakshatra in other Hindu Calendars.
Onam starts from Atham (Hasta) nakshatra, the first day of Onam, and ends on Thiruvonam (Shravana) nakshatra – the most important day of Onam festivities, thus making it a 10-day celebration.
Significance of 10 days of Onam:-
Atham:- First day of the 10 days of onam. beginners with spirituality, worshiping lord Vishnu, and decorating the home with beautiful flowers.
Chithira holds a significant place as the second day of the vibrant Onam festival. This cherished occasion prompts Keralites to engage in a range of traditional practices that reflect their rich cultural heritage.
Chodhi: Families celebrating the Onam festival, buy new clothes and ornaments for each other.
Vishakam holds a special place on the fourth day of the festive occasion of Onam. It is a time when Malayalis engage in a heartwarming practice that resonates deeply with their agricultural traditions. On this day, households are filled with a sense of achievement as they bring in the first fruits of the season’s harvest, marking a momentous step in their agricultural journey.
Anizham holds a special significance as the fifth day of the vibrant Onam festival. It sets the stage for a spectacle that embodies the spirit of unity and tradition – the traditional boat race, also known as Vallamkali. This captivating event takes place on the majestic Pamba River and is characterized by its grandeur and fervor.
Thriketa holds a significant place as the sixth day of the vibrant Onam festival. On this auspicious day, Malayali families embark on a heartfelt journey to their ancestral homes, reconnecting with their roots and paying homage to their heritage.
Moolam holds a special place as a significant day during the Onam festivities. It is a day when Malayali families come together to create a heartwarming culinary experience – the Onasadya. This traditional feast is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and the importance of family bonds.
Pooradam, the eighth day of the Onam festivities, carries a special tradition that underscores the importance of family bonds and the spirit of giving. On this cherished day, Malayali families come together to visit and reconnect with their relatives, strengthening the ties that bind them.
Uthradam, the ninth day of the Onam festivities, ushers in a sense of abundance and gratitude as Malayalis celebrate the arrival of their freshly harvested crops. This day is marked by a culinary extravaganza that showcases the diversity and richness of Kerala’s culinary heritage.
The heart of Uthradam lies in the preparation of an array of dishes made from the newly harvested crops.
Thiruvonam, the much-awaited final day of the Onam festivities, unfolds in a grand display of culture, art, and tradition. This day is marked by exuberant celebrations, intricate decorations, lively folk dances, and a delectable spread of traditional foods.
The Legends and Significance:
Thiruvonam is closely associated with the legendary King Mahabali, whose benevolent and just rule won the admiration of both gods and humans. It is believed that on this day, King Mahabali, though banished to the netherworld, is allowed to visit his kingdom and people. To honor his sacrifice and rule, people decorate their homes with intricate floral patterns called ‘Pookalams’ and prepare a sumptuous feast known as the ‘Onam Sadya.’
The essence of Onam revolves around honoring the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu and the subsequent return of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. The festival commemorates the annual homecoming of Asura King Mahabali from the underworld (Patala). On the day of Thiruvonam, it is believed that Mahabali visits the homes of every Malayali, allowing him to reconnect with his people.
Overall, Onam not only rejoices in the tales of King Mahabali and the Vamana avatar but also unites the Malayali community through its celebrations, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Preparations and Rituals:
Chodhi:
The excitement leading up to Thiruvonam is palpable in every household. The ‘Pookalam’ competition sees families and communities competing to create the most elaborate and vibrant floral patterns. The Onam Sadya, a multi-course vegetarian meal served on banana leaves, is a central aspect of the celebration. The meal features an array of dishes, each with a unique flavor, contributing to the grandeur of the festival. Usually around 13 dishes are prepared for this celebration.
The food is served on banana leaves and commonly consists of rice along with different dishes, pickles, and papads. A characteristic sweet dish called ‘payasam’ is a must during Onam. It is made of rice, milk, sugar, and coconut.
Chithira holds a significant place as the second day of the vibrant Onam festival. This cherished occasion prompts Keralites to engage in a range of traditional practices that reflect their rich cultural heritage. On this day, households across Kerala embark on a thorough cleaning of their living spaces, ensuring a fresh and welcoming atmosphere for the festivities ahead.
Cultural Extravaganza:
Thiruvonam is not just about rituals; it’s also a time for cultural festivities.
Vallamkali
‘Vallamkali’ or the snake boat race is a thrilling event where elaborately decorated boats compete on the tranquil backwaters. Serpent-shaped boats, manned by scores of oarsmen, engage in thrilling competitions. These races not only symbolize unity and teamwork but also offer substantial cash rewards to the triumphant participants, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.
Adorned Elephants
Another mesmerizing aspect of Onam is the majestic processions featuring adorned elephants. These magnificent creatures, adorned with intricate ornaments, stand as a testament to the grandeur of the festival. As they march through the streets, they embody the heritage and splendor of Kerala’s rich cultural traditions, leaving spectators awe-struck by their majestic presence.
Vaman Vishnu idols for worship:
During Onam, households across Kerala host the Thrikkakara Appan, also known as Onathappan, or Vaman Vishnu idols for worship. These installations carry profound spiritual significance, embodying the presence of Lord Vamana, one of Lord Vishnu’s avatars. Families adorn their homes with these idols, dedicating their prayers and devotion to seek blessings for prosperity, harmony, and happiness.
Pulikali dance
Traditional dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam take center stage, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
During the vibrant festivities of Onam, a unique and captivating tradition takes center stage – the Pulikali dance. This fascinating performance features dancers adorned in vibrant yellow and black patterns, meticulously resembling tigers. The Pulikali dance is a sight to behold as these skilled artists mimic the movements and mannerisms of tigers, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle that captures the essence of the celebration.
Aptly, this period in Kerala is declared as Tourism Week, drawing attention to the state’s cultural splendor and welcoming ambiance. The timing coincides with the peak of Onam celebrations, making it an ideal moment to experience Kerala’s rich traditions and warm hospitality. The state transforms into a haven for travelers, offering a unique blend of festivities, cultural showcases, and traditional performances.
Family Reunions and Joyful Bonding:
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Thiruvonam is the way it brings families together. It’s a time when relatives, near and far, gather to celebrate the spirit of togetherness. Elders pass down stories of King Mahabali, and children learn about their cultural heritage through songs, dances, and games.
Celebrating Unity and Diversity:
Thiruvonam transcends religious and social boundaries, symbolizing unity and diversity. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate, embracing the true essence of the festival—harmony, sharing, and love.
Conclusion:
As we approach Thiruvonam 2023, the spirit of Onam is ready to engulf us with its warmth and splendor. This festival reminds us of the values of humility, generosity, and community, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends time and distance. With ‘pookalams,’ Sadya feasts, cultural performances, and family bonding, Thiruvonam continues to be a joyous occasion that reflects the soul of Kerala’s culture and tradition.
